Water soluble container containing dry actives

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a water soluble container which contains a composition useful for hard surface cleaning. The composition comprises a cationic surfactant having germicidal properties, a non-ionic surfactant, an alkali salt, an organic acid; and optionally, conventional additives, where the composition is in powder form. The water soluble containers can be made by thermoforming or injection molding.

The present invention relates to powder detergent compositions,especially compositions which dissolve and disperse satisfactorily inwater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Powder detergent compositions comprising surfactants are known. Suchcompositions can be used, for example, as hard surface cleaners as wellas laundry and automatic dishwasher cleaners. They can be used byplacing an amount of powder into a volume of water and then using theresulting solution to clean the surface of interest. In the case oflaundry cleaners, a measured amount of the powder is placed into asuitable washing machine. For automatic dishwashers, measured amount ofpowder is placed in the dishwasher, usually in dispensing cups. Fordifficult stains, a paste can be made with the powder and small amountof water and then rubbed on the surface. This is true for fabric as wellas dish surfaces.

For some purposes it is desirable to have pre-measured doses can beprepared so that the user of the these compositions do not have tomeasure the appropriate amount of surfactant composition to use everytime they wish to clean hard surfaces, as well as laundry and dishsurfaces.

The present composition is especially suitable for use in awater-soluble container where the container is simply added to a largequantity of water and dissolves, releasing its contents. The favorabledissolution and dispersion properties of the composition of the presentinvention are particularly useful in this context.

Thus the present invention also provides a water-soluble containercontaining a composition as defined above. The water-soluble containeris also suitable for laundry and automatic dishwasher compositions anduse.

The water-soluble container may comprise a thermoformed or injectionmolded water-soluble polymer. It may also simply comprise awater-soluble film. Such containers are described, for example, inEP-A-524,721, GB-A-2,244,258, WO 92/17,381 and WO 00/55,068.

The method of thermoforming the container is similar to the processdescribed in WO 92/17382. A first poly (vinyl alcohol) (“PVOH”) film isinitially thermoformed to produce a non-planar sheet containing apocket, such as a recess, which is able to retain the aqueouscomposition. The pocket is generally bounded by a flange, which ispreferably substantially planar. The pocket may have internal barrierlayers as described in, for example, WO 93/08095. The pocket is thenfilled with the aqueous composition, and a second PVOH film is placed onthe flange and across the pocket. The second PVOH film may or may not bethermoformed. If the first film contains more than one pocket, thesecond film may be placed across all of the pockets for convenience. Thepocket may be completely filled, or only partly filled, for example toleave an air space of from 2 to 20%, especially from 5 to 10%, of thevolume of the container immediately after it is formed. Partial fillingmay reduce the risk of rupture of the container if it is subjected toshock and reduce the risk of leakage if the container is subjected tohigh temperatures.

The films are then sealed together, for example by heat sealing acrossthe flange. Other methods of sealing the films together may be used, forexample infra-red, radio frequency, ultrasonic, laser, solvent,vibration or spin welding. An adhesive such as an aqueous solution ofPVOH may also be used. The seal desirably is also water-soluble.

For injection molding the containers of the present invention, thecontainer or capsule generally comprises a receptacle part which holdsthe composition and a closure part, which may simply close thereceptacle part or may itself have at least some receptacle function.The receptacle part preferably has side walls which terminate at theirupper end in an outward flange in which the closure part is sealinglysecured, especially if the closure part is in the form of a film. Thesecurement may be by means of an adhesive but is preferably achieved bymeans of a seal, between the flange and the closure part. Heat sealingmay be used or other methods such as infra-red, radio frequency,ultrasonic, laser, solvent, vibration or spin welding. An adhesive suchas an aqueous solution of PVOH or a cellulose ether may also be used.The seal is desirably also water-soluble.

The closure part may itself be injection molded or blow molded.Preferably, however, it is a plastic film secured over the receptaclepart. The film may, for example, comprise PVOH or a cellulose ether suchas HPMC or another water-soluble polymer.

The container walls have thicknesses such that the containers are rigid.For example, the outside walls and any inside walls which have beeninjection molded independently generally have a thickness of greaterthan 100 μm, for example greater than 150 μm or greater than 200 μm, 300μm or 500 μm. Preferably, the closure part is of a thinner material thanthe receptacle part. Thus, typically, the closure part is of thicknessin the range 10 to 200 μm, preferably 50 to 100 μm, and the wallthickness of the receptacle part is in the range 300 to 1500 μm,preferably 500 to 1000 μm. The closure part may, however, also have awall thickness of 300 to 1500 μm, such as 500 to 1000 μm.

Preferably, the closure part dissolves in water (at least to the extentof allowing the washing composition in the receptacle part to bedissolved by the water; and preferably completely) at 20° C. in lessthan 3 minutes, preferably in less than 1 minute.

The receptacle part and the closure part could be of the same thicknessbut in this event the closure part may, for example, be of highersolubility than the receptacle part, in order to dissolve more quickly.

In the manufacturing method, the array, formed by injection molding, isfed to a filling zone, and all the receptacle parts are charged with thewashing composition. A sheet of a water-soluble polymer such as PVOH ora cellulose ether may then be secured over the top of the array, to formthe closure parts for all the receptacle parts of the array. The arraymay then be split up into the individual washing capsules, prior topackaging, or it may be left as an array, for packaging, to be split bythe user. Preferably, it is left as an array, for the user to break ortear off the individual washing capsules. Preferably, the array has aline of symmetry extending between capsules, and the two halves of thearray are folded together, about that line of symmetry, so that closureparts are in face-to-face contact. This helps to protect the closureparts from any damage, between factory and user. It will be appreciatedthat the closure parts are more prone to damage than the receptacleparts. Alternatively two identical arrays of washing capsules may beplaced together with their closure parts in face-to-face contact, forpackaging.

In all cases, the polymer is formed into a container or receptacle suchas a pouch which can receive the composition, which is filled with thecomposition and then sealed, for example by heat sealing along the topof the container in vertical form-fill-processes or by laying a furthersheet of water-soluble polymer or molded polymer on top of the containerand sealing it to the body of the container, for example by heatsealing. Other methods of sealing the films together may be used, forexample infra-red, radio frequency, ultrasonic, laser, solvent,vibration or spin welding. An adhesive such as an aqueous solution ofPVOH may also be used. The seal desirably is also water-soluble.

Desirably the water-soluble polymer is PVOH. The PVOH may be partiallyor fully alcoholized or hydrolyzed. For example, it may be from 40 to100% preferably 70 to 92%, more preferably about 88%, alcoholized orhydrolyzed, polyvinyl acetate. When the polymer is in film form, thefilm may be cast, blown or extruded.

The water-soluble polymer is generally cold water (20° C.) soluble, butdepending on its chemical nature, for example the degree of hydrolysisof the PVOH, may be insoluble in cold water at 20° C., and only becomesoluble in warm water or hot water having a temperature of, for example,30° C., 40° C., 50° C. or even 60° C. It is preferable that the watersoluble polymer is soluble in cold water.

Another useful and preferred material which can be used to encapsulatethe powder compositions of the present invention is a nonwoven polyvinylalcohol fabric available from BBA Nonwovens of South Carolina. Sachetsmade from this material are optimally used in warm (e.g., 40° C.) water.

The water soluble containers of the present invention find particularuse where a unit-dosage form of the composition is required which isthen diluted prior to use. Thus, for example, the composition may beuseful as a hard surface cleaner (for example, floors, bathroomsurfaces, windows) which is diluted prior to use. The water solublecontainer to be used for hard surface cleaners can take any shape, suchas an envelope, sachet, sphere, cylinder, cube or cuboid (i.e. arectangular parallelepiped whose faces are not all equal) where the baseis square, circular, triangular, or oval, but water soluble containersof rounded cuboid or cylindrical shape are preferred; rounded cuboid foruse in, for example, a bucket of water and cylindrical when used as arefill for a trigger bottle. For the rounded cuboid water solublecontainer, the water soluble container can have dimensions such as, forexample, having a length of 1 to 5 cm, especially 3.5 to 4.5 cm, a widthof 1.5 to 3.5 cm, especially 2 to 3 cm, and a height of 1 to 2 cm,especially 1.25 to 1.75 cm. The water soluble container may hold, forexample, from 10 to 40 grams of the composition, especially from 15 to25 grams of the composition of the present composition. For thecylindrical shape, the water soluble container diameter should be suchthat the water soluble container fits through the opening of a triggerbottle, generally about 2 cm. The length of the water soluble containercan be about 1 to 8 cm. Such water soluble containers hold about 3 toabout 25 grams of composition. However, it should be understood thatthere is no theoretical limitation, in either size or shape, and what issuitable will normally be decided upon the basis of the “dose” of thewater soluble container's contents, the size of any aperture the watersoluble container may have to pass through, and the available means ofdelivery.

In some embodiments, a single layer film for both the top and bottom thepacket can be used or a laminate film of two or more layers of PVOH orother water soluble film can be used on either the top or bottom or onboth top and bottom of the packet. For the cylindrical container, thefilm can also be single layer or a laminate of two or more layers ofPVOH or other water soluble film.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition comprising in powderform:

-   -   (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal        properties;    -   (b) at least one non-ionic;    -   (c) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures        thereof;    -   (d) an alkali salt selected from the group consisting of        carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, and mixtures thereof;    -   (e) optionally, up to about 10% wt. of one or more conventional        additives selected from coloring agents and dyes, fragrances and        fragrance solubilizers, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers        including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners,        driers, opacifying agents, antifoaming agents, enzymes,        anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, and anti-corrosion agents.

Preferably, (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidalproperties is present in an amount of from about 1 to 10 percent byweight; (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount offrom about 2 to 20 percent by weight; (c) an organic acid is present inan amount of from about 0 to about 25 percent by weight; and (d) alkalisalt is present in an amount of from about 45 to about 90 percent byweight.

With regard to (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidalproperties preferably has the formula

wherein each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently alkyl, aryl oralkylaryl substituent of from 1 to 26 carbon atoms, in which each R₁,R₂, R₃ and R₄ is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy,halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups, and may include one or moreamide, ether or ester linkages; and X may be any salt-forming anion.More preferably, (a) at least one cationic surfactant has the formula

wherein R₂ and R₃ are the same or different C₁₋C₁₂ alkyl, or R₂ isC₁₂₋₁₆ alkyl, C₈ ₁₈alkylethoxy, C₈₋₁₈alkylphenoxyethoxy and R₃ isbenzyl, the alkyl and benzyl groups being unsubstituted or substitutedby one or more hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups.

Preferably, (d) alkali salt is either sodium carbonate, a mixture ofsodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, or a mixture of sodium sulfateand sodium carbonate.

Preferably, (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant is a primary alcoholhaving from about 9 to about 18 carbon atoms condensed with from about 2to about 80 moles of ethylene oxide. In addition, it is preferred that(c) an organic acid is citric acid.

The present invention also relates to a water soluble containercontaining a composition of the present invention. Preferably, thecontainers comprise a thermoformed or injection molded water solublepolymer, which can be PVOH.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition comprising in powderform:

-   -   (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal        properties;    -   (b) at least one non-ionic;    -   (c) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures        thereof;    -   (d) an alkali salt selected from the group consisting of        carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, and mixtures thereof;    -   (e) optionally, up to about 10% wt. of one or more conventional        additives selected from coloring agents and dyes, fragrances and        fragrance solubilizers, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers        including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners,        driers, opacifying agents, antifoaming agents, enzymes,        anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, and anti-corrosion agents.

Preferably, (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidalproperties is present in an amount of from about 1 to 10 percent byweight; (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount offrom about 2 to 20 percent by weight; (c) an organic acid is present inan amount of from about 0 to about 25 percent by weight; and (d) alkalisalt is present in an amount of from about 45 to about 90 percent byweight.

With regard to (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidalproperties preferably has the formula

wherein each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently alkyl, aryl oralkylaryl substituent of from 1 to 26 carbon atoms, in which each R₁,R₂, R₃ and R₄ is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy,halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups, and may include one or moreamide, ether or ester linkages; and X may be any salt-forming anion.More preferably, (a) at least one cationic surfactant has the formula

wherein R₂ and R₃ are the same or different C₁₋C₁₂ alkyl, or R₂ isC₁₂₋₁₆ alkyl, C₈ ₁₈alkylethoxy, C₈₋₁₈alkylphenoxyethoxy and R₃ isbenzyl, the alkyl and benzyl groups being unsubstituted or substitutedby one or more hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups.

Preferably, (d) alkali salt is either sodium carbonate, a mixture ofsodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, or a mixture of sodium sulfateand sodium carbonate.

Preferably, (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant is a primary alcoholhaving from about 9 to about 18 carbon atoms condensed with from about 2to about 80 moles of ethylene oxide. In addition, it is preferred that(c) an organic acid is citric acid.

The present invention also relates to a water soluble containercontaining a composition of the present invention. Preferably, thecontainers comprise a thermoformed or injection molded water solublepolymer, which can be PVOH.

The inventive compositions necessarily include at least one cationicsurfactant having germicidal properties which provides a primarysanitizing benefit to the compositions.

Particularly preferred for use as the cationic surfactant which is foundto provide a broad antibacterial or sanitizing function are well known,and useful cationic surfactants may be one or more of those describedin, for example, McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North Americanand International Editions, 2001; Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of ChemicalTechnology, 4th Ed., Vol. 23, pp. 478-541, the contents of which areherein incorporated by reference.

Examples of preferred cationic surfactant compositions useful in thepractice of the instant invention are those which provide a germicidaleffect to the concentrate compositions, and especially preferred arequaternary ammonium compounds and salts thereof, which may becharacterized by the general structural formula:

Wherein each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently alkyl, aryl oralkylaryl substituent of from 1 to 26 carbon atoms, and the entirecation portion of the molecule has a molecular weight of at least 165.The alkyl substituents may be long-chain alkyl, long-chain alkoxyaryl,long-chain alkylaryl, long-chain alkylphenoxyalkyl, arylalkyl, etc. Theremaining substituents on the nitrogen atoms other than the abovementioned alkyl substituents are hydrocarbons usually containing no morethan 12 carbon atoms. The substituents R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ may bestraight-chained or may be branched, but are preferablystraight-chained, may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or morehydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups, and may include one ormore amide, ether or ester linkages. The counterion X may be anysalt-forming anion which permits water solubility of the quaternaryammonium complex.

Exemplary quaternary ammonium salts within the above description includethe alkyl ammonium halides such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide,alkyl aryl ammonium halides such as octadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammoniumbromide, N-alkyl pryridinium halides such as N-cetyl pyridinium bromide,and the like. Other suitable types of quaternary ammonium salts includethose in which the molecule contains either amide, ether or esterlinkages such as octyl phenoxy ethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammoniumchloride, N-(laurylcocoaminoformylmethyl)-pyridinium chloride, and thelike. Other very effective types of quaternary ammonium compounds whichare useful as germicides include those in which the hydrophobic radicalis characterized by a substituted aromatic nucleus as in the case oflauryloxyphenyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, cetylaminophenyltrimethylammonium methosulfate, dodecylphenyltrimethyl ammonium methosulfate,dodecylphenyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, chlorinateddodecylbenzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, and the like.

Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds which act as germicides andwhich are found to be useful in the practice of the present inventioninclude those which have the structural formula:

wherein R₂ and R₃ are the same or different C₁₋C₁₋₂ alkyl, or R₂ isC₁₂₋₁₆ alkyl, C₈ ₁₈alkylethoxy, C₈₋₁₈alkylphenoxyethoxy and R₃ isbenzyl, and X is a halide, for example chloride, bromide or iodide, oris a methosulfate or saccharinate anion. The alkyl groups recited in R₂and R₃ may be straight-chained or branched, but are preferablysubstantially linear. The alkyl groups may also be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamidogroups.

Particularly useful quaternary germicides include compositions whichinclude a single quaternary compound, as well as mixtures of two or moredifferent quaternary compounds. Such useful quaternary compounds areavailable under the BARDAC®, BARQUAT®, HYAMINE®, CATIGENE, LONZABAC®,BTC®, and ONYXIDE® trademarks, which are more fully described in, forexample, McCutcheon's Functional Materials, North American andInternational Editions, 2001, and the respective product literature fromthe suppliers identified below. For example, BARDAC® 205M is describedto be a liquid containing alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, octyldecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,and dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (50% active) (also available as80% active (BARDAC® 208M)); described generally in McCutcheon's as acombination of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride); BARDAC® 2050 is described to be acombination of octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride/didecyl dimethylammonium chloride, and dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (50% active)(also available as 80% active (BARDAC® 2080)); BARDAC® 2250 is describedto be didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (50% active); BARDAC® LF (orBARDAC® LF-80), described as being based on dioctyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride (BARQUAT® MB-50, MX-50, OJ-50 (each 50% liquid) and MB-80 orMX-80 (each 80% liquid) are each described as an alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride; BARDAC® 4250 and BARQUAT® 4250Z (each 50% active) orBARQUAT® 4280 and BARQUAT® 4280Z (each 80% active) are each described asalkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride/alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzylammonium chloride; and BARQUAT® MS-100 described as being a mixture oftetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride/dodecyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride/hexadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (100%solid (powder)). Also, HYAMINE® 1622, described as diisobutyl phenoxyethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (available either as 100%actives or as a 50% actives solution); HYAMINE® 3500 (50% actives),described as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (also available as80% active (HYAMINE® 3500-80); and HYAMINE® 2389 described as beingbased on methyldodecylbenzyl ammonium chloride and/ormethyldodecylxylene-bis-trimethyl ammonium chloride. (BARDAC®, BARQUAT®and HYAMINE® are presently commercially available from Lonza, Inc.,Fairlawn, N.J.). BTC® 50 NF (or BTC® 65 NF) is described to be alkyldimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (50% active); BTC® 99 is described asdidecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (50% active); BTC® 776 is describedto be myristalkonium chloride (50% active); BTC® 818 is described asbeing octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, and dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (50% active) (availablealso as 80% active (BTC® 818-80%)); BTC® 824 and BTC® 835 are eachdescribed as being of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (each 50%active); BTC® 885 is described as a combination of BTC® 835 and BTC® 818(50% active) (available also as 80% active (BTC® 888)); BTC® 1010 isdescribed as didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (50% active) (alsoavailable as 80% active (BTC® 1010-80)); BTC® 2125 (or BTC® 2125 M) isdescribed as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethylethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (each 50% active) (also available as 80%active (BTC® 2125-80 or BTC® 2125 M)); BTC® 2565 is described as alkyldimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (50% active) (also available as 80%active (BTC® 2568)); BTC® 8248 (or BTC® 8358) is described as alkyldimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (80% active) (also available as 90%active (BTC® 8249)); ONYXIDE® 3300 is described as n-alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium saccharinate (95% active). CATIGENE series is describedas mixtures of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides/alkyl dimethylethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides/dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides.(BTC®, ONYXIDE®, and CATIGENE are presently commercially available fromStepan Company, Northfield, Ill. (CATIGENE from Stepan Europe)).Polymeric quaternary ammonium salts based on these monomeric structuresare also considered desirable for the present invention. One example isPOLYQUAT®, described as being a 2-butenyldimethyl ammonium chloridepolymer.

The cationic surfactant having germicidal properties may be present inthe inventive compositions at any effective amount, but generally rangesfrom about 1 to about 40 percent by weight. Preferred amounts are shownin the examples below.

A further constituent in the compositions of the present invention isnon-ionic surfactant. Examples include linear alcohol ethoxylates. Thelinear alcohol ethoxylates which may be employed in the presentinvention are generally the C₆-C₁₈ straight-chain alcohols which areethoxylated with from about 2 to about 80 moles of ethylene oxide. Theirderivation is well known in the art. Examples include Alfonic® 810-4.5,which is described in product literature from Condea Vista as having anaverage molecular weight of 356, an ethylene oxide content of about 4.85moles (about 60 wt. %), and an HLB of about 12; Alfonic® 810-2, which isdescribed in product literature from Condea Vista as having an averagemolecular weight of 242, an ethylene oxide content of about 2.1 moles(about 40 wt. %), and an HLB of about 12; and Alfonic® 610-3.5, which isdescribed in product literature from Condea Vista as having an averagemolecular weight of 276, an ethylene oxide content of about 3.1 moles(about 50 wt. %), and an HLB of 10. Product literature from Condea Vistaalso identifies that the numbers in the alcohol ethoxylate namedesignate the carbon chain length (numbers before the hyphen) and theaverage moles of ethylene oxide (numbers after the hyphen) in theproduct.

Other examples of ethoxylated alcohols include the Neodol® 91 seriesnon-ionic surfactants available from Shell Chemical Company which aredescribed as C₉-C₁₁ ethoxylated alcohols. The Neodol® 91 seriesnon-ionic surfactants of interest include Neodol 91-2.5, Neodol 91-6,and Neodol 91-8. Neodol 91-2.5 has been described as having about 2.5ethoxy groups per molecule; Neodol 91-6 has been described as havingabout 6 ethoxy groups per molecule; and Neodol 91-8 has been describedas having about 8 ethoxy groups per molecule. Additional examplesinclude Lutensol AT80, Lutensol AT50, and Lutensol AT25, which arerespectively C₁₋₁₈ alcohol ethoxylates with 80, 50, and 25 moles ofethylene oxide.

Further examples of ethoxylated alcohols include the Rhodasurf® DAseries non-ionic surfactants available from Rhodia which are describedto be branched isodecyl alcohol ethoxylates. Rhodasurf DA-530 has beendescribed as having 4 moles of ethoxylation and an HLB of 10.5;Rhodasurf DA-630 has been described as having 6 moles of ethoxylationwith an HLB of 12.5; and Rhodasurf DA-639 is a 90% solution of DA-630.

The compositions of the present invention also includes an organic acid.The organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid,lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the present invention also include an alkali saltselected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates,sulfates, and mixtures thereof. The alkali is preferably sodium. Sodiumcarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sulfate are preferred. Forsodium carbonate, there are a variety of grades available. Those gradeshaving a more granular texture are preferred if liquid ingredients (forexample, some cationic surfactants) are used as the materials areabsorbed onto the surface of the sodium carbonate.

Other conventional optional additives, although not particularlyelucidated herein may also be included in the present inventivecompositions in order to provide esthetic or other beneficial propertiesthereto. Exemplary optional conventional additives include but are notlimited to: coloring agents and dyes, fragrances and fragrancesolubilizers, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic andinorganic salts, optical brighteners, driers, opacifying agents,antifoaming agents, enzymes, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, andanti-corrosion agents as well as others not specifically elucidatedhere. These should be present in minor amounts, preferably in totalcomprise less than about 10% by weight of the compositions. The optionalingredients chosen should be compatible with the compositions to whichthey are added as well as to the water soluble containers in which thecompositions are placed and the compatibility can be easily determinedby one of ordinary skill in the art.

Depending upon certain materials used in the composition, it may benecessary to take steps to ensure the liquid does not attack thewater-soluble polymer if it is soluble in cold water (20° C.), or waterat a temperature of up to, say, 35° C. Steps may be taken to treat theinside surfaces of the container, for example by coating it with agentssuch as for example PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or to adapt thecomposition to ensure that it does not dissolve the polymer. Forexample, it has been found that ensuring the composition has a highionic strength or contains an agent which minimizes water loss throughthe walls of the container will prevent the composition from dissolvingthe polymer from the inside. This is described in more detail inEP-A-518,689 and WO 97/27743.

The compositions according to the invention are useful in thedisinfecting and/or cleaning of surfaces, especially hard surfaces inneed of such treatment. These in particular include surfaces wherein thepresence of gram positive and/or gram negative bacteria are suspected.In accordance with the present inventive process, cleaning and/ordisinfecting of such surfaces comprises the steps of placing one or morewater soluble containers which contains a composition of the presentinvention into a container containing an amount of water (for example, abucket, spray bottle with dip tube) and allowing the container todissolve, and then applying a stain releasing and a disinfectingeffective amount of a composition as taught herein, by sponging,mopping, scrubbing, or spraying, to such a stained surface. Afterwards,the compositions are optionally but desirably wiped, scrubbed orotherwise physically contacted with the hard surface, and furtheroptionally, may be subsequently rinsed from such a cleaned anddisinfected hard surface.

Such a hard surface cleaning and disinfecting composition according tothe invention is may be provided as a ready to use product which may bedirectly applied to a hard surface, but is desirably provided in aconcentrated form intended to be diluted in water to form a cleaningcomposition therefrom.

By way of example, hard surfaces include surfaces composed of refractorymaterials such as: glazed and unglazed tile, porcelain, ceramics as wellas stone including marble, granite, and other stones surfaces; glass;metals; plastics e.g. polyester, vinyl; fiberglass, Formica®, Corian®and other hard surfaces known to the industry. Hard surfaces which areto be particularly denoted are lavatory fixtures such as shower stalls,bathtubs and bathing appliances (racks, shower doors, shower bars)toilets, bidets, wall and flooring surfaces especially those whichinclude refractory materials and the like. Further hard surfaces whichare to be denoted are those associated with kitchen environments andother environments associated with food preparation, including cabinetsand countertop surfaces as well as walls and floor surfaces especiallythose which include refractory materials, plastics, Formica®, Corian®and stone.

In general, it is preferred that the pH of the powder composition, whendiluted in water, is greater than 7 and more preferably greater than 9.For the compositions of the present invention, acceptable disinfectionis achieved when 15 grams of the compositions, whether in a watersoluble container or not, is diluted in 3 liters of water; acceptablecleaning is achieved when 15 grams of the composition is diluted in 5liters of water. A typical dissolution time, when the compositions isplaced within a water soluble container, is preferably less than 2minutes, more preferably less than 1 minute and is most preferred to bebetween 30 to 45 seconds.

EXAMPLE FORMULATIONS Preparation of Example Formulations

Exemplary formulations illustrating certain preferred embodiments of theinventive compositions and described in more detail in Table 1 belowwere formulated generally in accordance with the following protocol. Theindicated weight percentages are “as supplied” with the percent activesshown in parenthesis.

Into a suitably sized vessel, a measured amount of water was providedafter which the constituents were added in no specific or uniformsequence, which indicated that the order of addition of the constituentswas not critical. All of the constituents were supplied at roomtemperature, and any remaining amount of water was added thereafter.Certain of the nonionic surfactants if gels at room temperature werefirst preheated to render them pourable liquids prior to addition andmixing. Mixing of the constituents was achieved by the use of amechanical stirrer with a small diameter propeller at the end of itsrotating shaft. Mixing, which generally lasted from 5 minutes to 120minutes was maintained until the particular exemplary formulationappeared to be homogeneous. The exemplary compositions were readilypourable, and retained well mixed characteristics (i.e., stablemixtures) upon standing for extend periods.

Another preferred way of preparing the compositions of the presentinvention is to first blend together non-aqueous components (forexample, alcohol ethoxylates, polyethylene glycol, fragrance, and thelike). A second blend of aqueous components (for example, quaternaryammonium compounds, dye, additional water (if desired) is then made. Thesecond aqueous blend is then added to the first non-aqueous blend slowlywith agitation until a homogenous blend is achieved.

A preferred way of preparing the compositions of the present inventionis to first place the sodium carbonate into a vessel and add any liquidcomponents (for example, Praepagen HY and fragrance) and form a premix.The premix is then spray dried into powder form. The resulting powder isthen added to the other powder components. The dye is the last componentto be added.

The compositions of the example formulations are listed on Table 1.TABLE 1 Component Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Ex. 9Ex. 10 Barquat MS 100 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00Sodium carbonate light 60.00 8.25 20.25 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 54.8860.00 60.00 density Sodium bicarbonate 50.00 50.00 Citric acid coated20.00 21.75 21.75 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 24.88 20.00 20.00 Neodol 91-614.00 14.00 14.00 7.00 14.00 7.00 9.80 Neodol 91-8 4.20 9.80 7.00 Neodol91-25 7.00 9.80 4.20 4.20 Fragrance 0.25 PE 6800 2.00 Speckles TOTAL100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00Component Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Ex. 17 Ex. 18 Ex. 19Ex. 20 Barquat MS 100 3.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00Sodium carbonate light 28.97 85.75 53.93 53.68 58.49 63.33 68.12 72.9477.75 81.75 density Citric acid coated 12.03 24.07 24.07 19.26 14.429.63 4.81 Neodol 91-6 5.00 6.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.0014.00 14.00 Fragrance 0.20 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40Speckles 0.80 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 Hysorb 0.250.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 TOTAL 50.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00 Component Ex. 21 Ex. 22 Ex. 23Ex. 24 Ex. 25 Ex. 26 Ex. 27 Ex. 28 Ex. 29 Ex. 30 Barquat MS 100 6.006.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Sodium carbonate light30.84 42.88 61.93 61.93 61.93 61.93 31.00 27.00 20.00 density Sodiumcarbonate 85.75 30.84 42.87 7.00 absorptaplus Sodium sulfate 43.00 50.0047.00 Citric acid coated 24.07 24.07 24.07 24.07 12.00 9.00 12.00 Adipicacid 24.07 Neodol 91-6 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00Fragrance 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Speckles1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 Hysorb 0.25 0.25 0.25Aerosil 200 0.25 TOTAL 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 Component Ex. 31 Ex. 32 Ex. 33 Ex. 34 Ex. 35 Ex. 36Ex. 37 Ex. 38 Ex. 39 Ex. 40 Barquat MS 100 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.006.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Sodium carbonate light 20.00 30.00 26.00 23.00 28.0026.00 28.00 60.00 83.00 density Sodium carbonate, 85.00 dense Sodiumcarbonate, 7.00 absorptaplus Sodium sulfate 47.00 42.00 47.00 50.0052.00 52.00 52.00 Citric acid coated 12.00 11.00 11.00 6.00 6.00 20.00Adipic acid 12.00 6.00 Neodol 91-6 6.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 6.00 4.20 6.008.00 Neodol 91-8 6.00 Neodol 91-25 8.00 9.80 Amonyx LO Fragrance 0.400.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.60 Speckles 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.601.40 Dye 3.00 3.00 TOTAL 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Component Ex. 41 Ex. 42 Ex. 43 Ex. 44 Ex. 45Ex. 46 Ex. 47 Ex. 48 Ex. 49 Ex. 50 Barquat MS 100 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.006.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 1.20 1.20 Sodium carbonate light 20.80 densitySodium carbonate, 83.00 absorptaplus Sodium carbonate, 86.00 62.20 81.0079.00 50.00 78.00 77.85 80.40 86.40 grade 100 Sodium sulfate 29.00Karion Sodium citrate 1.00 1.00 EDTA acid 0.15 Citric acid coated 6.00Neodol 91-6 6.00 8.00 8.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Dye6.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 2.40 2.40 TOTAL 104.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Component Ex. 51Ex. 52 Ex. 53 Ex. 54 Ex. 55 Ex. 56 Ex. 57 Ex. 58 Ex. 59 Ex. 60 BarquatMS 100 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 3.60 1.20 Catigene T-50 4.00Sodium carbonate light 48.10 56.18 80.40 75.40 75.40 45.40 72.60 70.4073.96 76.36 density Citric acid coated 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.006.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Sodium citrate 32.30 24.22 30.00 Neodol 91-6 10.0010.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 20.00 15.00 15.00 Neodol 91-8 15.00 Videt QX-910.00 Dye 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 1.44 1.44 TOTAL 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 ComponentEx. 61 Ex. 62 Ex. 63 Ex. 64 Ex. 65 Ex. 66 Ex. 67 Ex. 68 Ex. 69 Ex. 70Barquat MS 100 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60Praepagen HY 2.40 2.40 1.40 0.50 2.00 4.00 4.00 2.00 Sodium carbonatelight 70.60 73.00 74.00 74.90 75.40 77.20 71.40 75.20 83.00 81.00density Citric acid coated 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.006.00 Neodol 91-6 15.00 12.60 12.60 12.60 12.60 8.80 12.60 8.80 5.00 5.00Dye 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 TOTAL 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 ComponentEx. 71 Ex. 72 Ex. 73 Ex. 74 Ex. 75 Ex. 76 Ex. 77 Ex. 78 Ex. 79 Ex. 80Barquat MS 100 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60Praepagen HY 2.00 4.00 3.75 3.75 3.75 3.75 3.84 1.00 Sodium carbonatelight 73.40 79.00 79.20 70.05 76.05 77.65 77.60 81.35 77.56 86.00density Citric acid coated 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Neodol 91-6 12.60 5.008.80 12.60 12.60 12.60 12.60 Lutensol AT80 12.60 12.60 7.00 Speckles2.00 2.00 Fragrance 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.00 2.00 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40 2.40Dye 0.05 0.05 TOTAL 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 Component Ex. 81 Ex. 82 Ex. 83 Ex. 84 Ex. 85 Ex. 86Ex. 87 Ex. 88 Ex. 89 Barquat MS 100 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.603.60 3.60 Praepagen HY 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 1.36 Sodium carbonate light86.00 86.00 85.00 density Sodium carbonate|100 79.87 75.87 65.87 55.8763.87 64.51 Sodium Bicarbonate 10.00 20.00 10.00 10.00 Citric acidcoated 6.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Neodol 91-6 Lutensol AT80 7.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Lutensol AT50 7.00 Lutensol AT257.00 Speckles Fragrance 2.40 2.40 2.40 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Dye0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 TOTAL 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Component Barquat MS 100 N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzylammonium chloride(Lonza) (100%) Sodium bicarbonate Sodium bicarbonate Citric acid coatedCoated citric acid Neodol 91-6 C₉-C₁₁ alcohol with avg. 6 moles ofethylene oxide per mole of alcohol (Shell) Neodol 91-8 C₉-C₁₁ alcoholwith avg. 8-9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol (Shell) Neodol91-25 C₉-C₁₁ alcohol with avg. 2.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole ofalcohol (Shell) Fragrance Proprietary fragrance PE 6800 Copolymersurfactant Speckles Speckles Hysorb Grafted sodium polyacrylate (BASF)Sodium carbonate Sodium carbonate, light density light density Sodiumcarbonate Sodium carbonate, absorptaplus absorptaplus Sodium sulfateSodium sulfate Adipic acid Adipic acid Aerosil 200 Colloidal silicondioxide Sodium carbonate, dense Sodium carbonate, dense Ammonyx LODimethyldodecylamine oxide Sodium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, grade 100grade 100 Karion Sorbitol (Merck) Sodium citrate Sodium citrate EDTAacid Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid Videt QX-9 Non-germicidal cationicsurfactant Catigene T-50 Didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (50%)(Stepan) Praepagen HY Alkyl dimethyl hydroxyethylammonium chloride (40%)(Clariant) Lutensol AT80 C₁₆₋₁₈ fatty alcohol ethoxylate (80 moles EO;BASF) Lutensol AT50 C₁₆₋₁₈ fatty alcohol ethoxylate (50 moles EO; BASF)Lutensol AT25 C₁₆₋₁₈ fatty alcohol ethoxylate (25 moles EO; BASF)

The above formulations are then placed into either thermoformed orinjection molded water soluble containers using the methods describedabove. The water soluble containers showed no very little or nomigration of liquid when stored at room temperature.

Ex. 24 was evaluated for microbiological testing using the EuropeanUnion standard suspension test, European Norm 1276 (EN1276), a standardtest for evaluation of the effectiveness of biocides in two ways: 15grams of powder without PVOH film diluted in 5 liters of water and 15grams of powder encapsulated in a PVOH film diluted in 5 liters ofwater. Organisms tested were Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Esherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus; Enteroccus hirae for a five (5) minute contacttime. Both diluted samples had a ≧5 log reduction against Staphylococcusaureus, Esherichia coli, and Enteroccus hirae but not Pseudomonasaeruginosa.

Ex. 89 was also evaluated using EN1276 except that at a dilution of 15gram sample in 3 liters of water. Under these conditions, Ex. 89 dilutedsamples had a >5 log reduction against Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enteroccus hirae.

Ex. 89 was evaluated for cleaning using the ASTM Vinyl Cleaning Test,ASTM D4488-89 Annex A5 for particulate soil, which evaluated theefficacy of the cleaning compositions on vinyl tile samples. The soilapplied was a particulate soil sample containing natural humus, paraffinoil, used crankcase motor oil, Portland cement, silica, lampblackcarbon, iron oxide, bandy black clay, stearic acid, and oleic acid.produced according to the protocol. Each of the soiled test vinyl tilesamples were placed into the apparatus and the center of each tile waswetted with a 20 milliliter sample of a test formulation and allowed tostand for 1 minute. The test solution was prepared by diluting a 15 gramsachet of Ex. 89 in 5 liters of water. When approximately 30 seconds hadelapsed, a further 50 milliliter sample was applied to the sponge (waterdampened, then wrung to remove excess water) of a Gardner AbrasionTester apparatus. Thereafter the apparatus was cycled 10 times, whichprovided 20 strokes of the sponge across the face of each of the vinyltest tiles. The reflectance values of the cleaned samples at 10 cycleswere evaluated utilizing a Minolta Chroma Meter CF-110, with DataProcessor DP-100, which evaluated spectrophotomic characteristics of thesample. A control of St. Marc base (Reckitt Benckiser France; nofragrance) at a usage rate of 60 milliliters in 5 liters of water wasused. In both instances, the water temperature was about 40° C. Thediluted Ex. 89 was found to be at parity on cleaning with the St. Marcbase.

Ex. 76 was also tested using ASTM D4488-89 Annex A5 for particulate soilagainst the same control as Ex. 89. Ex. 89 was found to be slightlybetter at cleaning than the control.

1. A composition comprising in powder form: (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal properties; (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant; (c) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof; (d) an alkali salt selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, and mixtures thereof; (e) optionally, up to about 10% wt. of one or more conventional additives selected from coloring agents and dyes, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners, driers, opacifying agents, antifoaming agents, enzymes, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, and anti-corrosion agents.
 2. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal properties is present in an amount of from about 1 to 10 percent by weight.
 3. The composition according to claim 2 wherein (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount of from about 2 to 20 percent by weight.
 4. The composition according to claim 3 wherein (c) an organic acid is present in an amount of from about 0 to about 25 percent by weight.
 5. The composition according to claim 4 wherein (d) alkali salt is present in an amount of from about 45 to about 90 percent by weight.
 6. The composition according to claim 1 wherein (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal properties has the formula

wherein each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl substituent of from 1 to 26 carbon atoms, in which each R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups, and may include one or more amide, ether or ester linkages; and X may be any salt-forming anion.
 7. The composition according to claim 6 wherein (a) at least one cationic surfactant has the formula

wherein R₂ and R₃ are the same or different C₋C₁₂ alkyl, or R₂ is C₁₂₋₁₆ alkyl, C₈ ₁₈alkylethoxy, C₈₋₁₈alkylphenoxyethoxy and R₃ is benzyl, the alkyl and benzyl groups being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups.
 8. The composition according to claim 5 wherein (d) alkali salt is a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
 9. The composition according to claim 5 wherein (d) alkali salt is sodium carbonate.
 10. The composition according to claim 5 wherein (d) alkali salt is a mixture of sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate.
 11. The composition according to claim 3 wherein (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant is a primary alcohol having from about 9 to about 18 carbon atoms condensed with from about 2 to about 80 moles of ethylene oxide.
 12. The composition according to claim 4 wherein (c) an organic acid is citric acid.
 13. A composition comprising in powder form: (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal properties, said cationic surfactant being present in an amount of from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight; (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant, said non-ionic surfactant being present in an amount of from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight; (c) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof, said organic acid being present in an amount of from about 0 to about 25 percent by weight; (d) an alkali salt selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, and mixtures thereof, said alkali salt being present in an amount of from about 45 to about 90 percent by weight; (e) optionally, up to about 10% wt. of one or more conventional additives selected from coloring agents, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners, opacifying agents, antifoaming agents, enzymes, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, and anti-corrosion agents.
 14. The composition according to claim 7 wherein (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal properties has the formula

wherein each of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl substituent of from 1 to 26 carbon atoms, in which each R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups, and may include one or more amide, ether or ester linkages; and X may be any salt-forming anion.
 15. The composition according to claim 14 wherein (a) at least one cationic surfactant has the formula

wherein R₂ and R₃ are the same or different C₁₋C₁₂ alkyl, or R₂ is C₁₂₋₁₆ alkyl, C₈₋₁₈alkylethoxy, C₈₋₁₈alkylphenoxyethoxy and R₃ is benzyl, the alkyl and benzyl groups being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, or alkylamido groups.
 16. The composition according to claim 13 wherein (d) alkali salt is a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
 17. The composition according to claim 13 wherein (d) alkali salt is sodium carbonate.
 18. The composition according to claim 13 wherein (d) alkali salt is a mixture of sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate.
 19. The composition according to claim 13 wherein (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant is a primary alcohol having from about 9 to about 18 carbon atoms condensed with from about 2 to about 80 moles of ethylene oxide.
 20. The composition according to claim 13 wherein (c) an organic acid is citric acid.
 21. A water-soluble container containing a composition as defined in any one of the preceding claims.
 22. A container according to claim 21 which comprises a thermoformed or injection molded water-soluble polymer.
 23. A container according to claim 22 wherein the water-soluble polymer is a poly (vinyl alcohol).
 24. A water soluble container comprising a composition in powder form: (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal properties; (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant; (c) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof; (d) an alkali salt selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, and mixtures thereof; (e) optionally, up to about 10% wt. of one or more conventional additives selected from coloring agents and dyes, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners, driers, opacifying agents, antifoaming agents, enzymes, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, and anti-corrosion agents.
 25. The container according to claim 24 wherein the water soluble container comprises a thermoformed or injection molded water soluble polymer.
 26. The container according to claim 25 wherein the water soluble polymer is poly (vinyl alcohol).
 27. A water soluble container comprising a composition in powder form (a) at least one cationic surfactant having germicidal properties, said cationic surfactant being present in an amount of from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight; (b) at least one non-ionic surfactant, said non-ionic surfactant being present in an amount of from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight; (c) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof, said organic acid being present in an amount of from about 0 to about 25 percent by weight; (d) an alkali salt selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, and mixtures thereof, said alkali salt being present in an amount of from about 45 to about 90 percent by weight; (e) optionally, up to about 10% wt. of one or more conventional additives selected from coloring agents, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners, opacifying agents, antifoaming agents, enzymes, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, and anti-corrosion agents.
 28. The container according to claim 24 wherein the water soluble container comprises a thermoformed or injection molded water soluble polymer.
 29. The container according to claim 25 wherein the water soluble polymer is poly (vinyl alcohol).
 30. A process for cleaning and/or disinfecting hard surfaces which comprises the process step of: dissolving an effective amount of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 21 in water; and applying the dissolve mixture to the surface. 